§ MR. MASON (Lanark, Mid)asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether he is aware that the Italian Chamber of Deputies has passed a Bill imposing a duty of 8s. per ton upon pig iron, and proposing to levy very heavy duties on manufactured iron; whether the German and Italian Treaty is to be continued, notice of its termination being required by 1st August, 1887; and, whether Great Britain will enjoy the most favoured nation treatment by Convention, and without a Treaty?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir JAMES FERGUSSON) () Manchester, N.E.The Italian Parliament has passed a Tariff Bill having effects such as are described in the hon. Member's Question. Her Majesty's Government are not informed if the German-Italian Commercial Treaty has been denounced; but it is probable that it has, as certain Articles in the Tariff Act are 1348 inconsistent with it. Great Britain will enjoy the most favoured Nation treatment under its Commercial Treaty with Italy, which continues in force.